The Astros recalled De Jong from their taxi squad Sunday ahead of Game 1 of the team's ALCS matchup with the Rays, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Astros decided that having an extra long-relief arm in De Jong on hand for the ALCS was more important than retaining a reserve outfielder in Chas McCormick, who was optioned to the team's taxi squad in a corresponding move. De Jong made three appearances for Houston in the regular season, giving up 12 runs on 12 hits and four walks over 7.1 innings.

De Jong (0-1) allowed six runs on six hits and two walks while striking out six over 3.2 innings Sunday as he was charged with the loss against the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

De Jong was initially expected to start Saturday, but his final start of the regular season was pushed back to Sunday. He gave up just one run over the first three innings, but he struggled mightily in the fourth inning before he was pulled. The right-hander posted a 14.78 ERA over 7.1 innings in 2020, and he's unlikely to play a significant role for the Astros during the postseason.

De Jong will start Sunday's game against the Rangers, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 26-year-old originally lined up to start Saturday's contest, but the Astros instead put Lance McCullers on the mound, likely to better situate him to pitch during the opening round of the playoffs. De Jong covered three innings during his previous start this season and seems unlikely to pitch much deeper than that Sunday.

Do Jong won't start Saturday against the Rangers as previously expected but could be the first pitcher in what may be a bullpen game Sunday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Previous reports indicated the Astros would turn to De Jong on Saturday if they clinched a playoff spot Friday, which they did. They've evidently changed plans, however, and will give Lance McCullers a brief start Saturday. The team has yet to commit to a starter for Sunday's season finale, but De Jong is likely to factor in at some point even if he doesn't start the contest.

Houston manager Dusty Baker said De Jong would start Saturday if the Astros clinched a playoff spot Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

As it turned out, the Astros clinched despite losing to the Rangers on Friday. It was the Dodgers' victory over the Angels later in the night that pushed Houston into the postseason. De Jong, who was called up Friday when Josh James (undisclosed) was placed on the injured list, is expected to at least open Saturday's game. It's unclear how many innings De Jong has in him.

De Jong was recalled by Houston on Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

De Jong has made a pair of appearances for the Astros this season, allowing six runs in 3.2 innings of work. Josh James landed on the injured list for undisclosed reasons in a corresponding move.

De Jong was optioned to the Astros' taxi squad Tuesday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

De Jong has pitched poorly in both of his appearances this season, allowing six runs in 3.2 innings of work. He'll remain an occasional low-leverage option down the stretch but is unlikely to step into a fantasy-relevant role.

De Jong allowed four runs on five hits and one walk while striking out three in a no-decision in the second game of a doubleheader against Oakland on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

De Jong was the opener in a bullpen game and avoided the loss when Houston plated four runs in the fourth inning after he gave up four to the Athletics in the bottom of the third. De Jong was needed to supplement the rotation, as the Astros played two doubleheaders in the span of four days. The 26-year-old has allowed six runs on six hits and two walks over 3.2 innings.

De Jong will start Game 2 of Tuesday's doubleheader against the A's, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Astros will employ a bullpen game for the nightcap after Zack Greinke started Game 1, and De Jong will be the first hurler in Game 2. The 27-year-old allowed two runs on one hit and one walk while recording two outs during his lone appearance of the season in late August.

De Jong was recalled by the Astros on Monday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

De Jong was with the big-league squad for less than a week in late August. He made just a single appearance, giving up two runs while recording two outs. He'll likely be limited to low-leverage innings while he remains with the team.